From her recent album, Kaleidoscope Heart, Sara Bareilles impresses the most with the shortest song on the LP. The minute-long acapella harmony is the perfect example of beauty in simplicity.
I eagerly await Adele's new album, 21 set to drop February 2011. Her newly released single, "Rolling in the Deep," features the same, timeless vocals, jazzy upbeats, clapping (I LOVE clapping) rounded out with soul.
I've go two scoops of David Guetta deliciousness today for dessert.
Firstly, the master of the beat (don't kill me house die-hards), has teamed up with Taio Cruz to bring you "Little Pretty Girl." It's catchy, and club worthy. That said, I look forward to better stuff from both. Take a listen for yourself:
"Little Pretty Girl" - David Guetta ft. Taio Cruz
In addition, Guetta joined forces with Wynter Gordon again (from One Love's "Toyfriend" and Flo Rida's "Sugar") to record a track in support of the "It Gets Better" Project. Those participating in this campaign generally make YouTubevideos urging LGBT youth to look toward the future and see the light at the end of the tunnel. GREAT project, and it's nice to see artists contributing in their own way, too. (BTW, Wynter Gordon has just released a new EP called The First Dance)
Daphne Willis' music is optimistic and easy going, but that's not to say that she doesn't display a wide range of emotions. The Chicago-based frontgirl entertains with her bluesy and often twangy guitar but mixes it up with horns, charisma and sometimes the Cookie Monster...
Give her a good listen and then when her LP What to Say is released (sometime soon, hopefully) go out and buy it.
I always forget that Grey's Anatomy picks really good music. That is, until I "discover" (or rediscover, as I did in this case) a song/artist I love and find out they had songs on the show.
It's really difficult to describe William Fitzsimmons because everything is multifaceted.
His style is similar to Iron and Wine (with the beard) but he's not afraid to mix his mellow folk tunes up with electronic effects. He plays several instruments which he picked up from his blind parents. His soft voice and melodies make it easy to believe his day job as a therapist.
"So This is Goodbye" was released on his most recent album Derivatives (2010). On the same album, Fitzsimmons also included the Pink Ganter remix of the same song. Both are beautiful.
"So This is Goodbye" - William Fitzsimmons
"So This is Goodbye (Pink Ganter Remix)" - William Fitzsimmons
This song has been stuck in my head all day. The Chemical Brothers, one of the original pioneers of dance music (like seriously, up there with Daft Punk), are set to release their seventh studio album, Further next week. "Swoon" is their first single.
I'm going to be completely upfront with everyone: It's not my favorite music video. It's not even my favorite Vampire Weekend video by far, but it's goofy.
The first single off of Kanye West's upcoming Good Ass Job features a sample from, of all things, a British prog rock band by the name of King Crimson. He's been off the scene for a little while, but it's the same old Kanye. Lyrics allude to SNL making fun of him (yeah, he's pissed about that), Austin Powers, and of course his own "Power." Oh yeah, by the way, that's the name of the single!
I personally enjoyed "Month of May" more at fist listen, but both are different enough from each other to appreciate the work. The songs are sure to get people excited for Arcade Fire's upcoming album The Suburbs "sometime this summer."
There's already been an entire post dedicated to Katy Perry's rendition of this same song, so for me to want to put up another post about "Electric Feel" says a lot. It's a "Rap Remix" which just means that there's added lyrics in there, and they definitely add to the piece.
Confession: I kind of really like the new Maine single "Inside of You." It gives me hope for their new album. With a band like the Maine you can make one of two mistakes with a sophomore album:
1. You can write the same catchy, shallow, probably immature (but still fun) crap as what was on your first album. It's not as awesome the second time around. Take, for instance Boys Like Girls and 2009's Love Drunk - not as awesome by a long shot.
2. You can take a risk and reinvent your sound only to end up with something... well, not fantastic. There may always be those hardcore fans a band may maintain, and they may gain respect for taking a risk and flexing some musical creative muscle, but in all honesty if it sucks, the "new" and "maintained" fans won't make much of a difference. For example, consider MGMT, and their (new-ish) sophomore album Congratulations.
THAT SAID, this new single assures me that the Maine boys won't make either of these mistakes!
24-year old Monae is set to release her debut album, and "Tightrope" is her lead off single. I couldn't be more excited for her. The alternative soul artist is truly a performer as evidenced by the music video for the single. Be on the look out for Archandriod on May 18th, or at the summer festival circuit (but unfortunately not at Coachella! :( )
From a posthumous John Lennon release that was originally documented with Lennon's personal hand-recorder comes a beautifully emotional love song. Regina Spektor starts with that and builds on it with impeccable vocal stylings and a dash of her own talent on the piano. Spektor recorded this song for Amnesty International's Instant Karma to Save Darfur campaign. I encourage you to support this cause by taking a look at the entire benefit CD and buying tracks (or the whole CD) from it. All John Lennon covers by fantastic artists.
When I stay awake all night, whether it's due to studying or less stressful activities, I always get this wave of energy at sunrise. Even after four years of waking up in the 5 o'clock hour, I have not adopted a morning-person nature. With his 2009 release of Sunny Side Up, it seems likely that Paolo Nutini has adopted that nature.
This Paolo Nutini tune isn't about all-nighters, but that won't keep me from blasting it when I get that bubble of excitement at sunrise. True to his jazzy roots, Nutini is soft and smooth for a good chunk of the song, but in the latter half, the style changes and the horns back him up along with a driving snare and it's a perfect end to the song.
Vampire Weekend just released their latest music video, and they do it in style. Jake Gyllenhaal, Lil' Jon, Joe Jonas and RZA cameos, a cute, funny story and one of their best songs from Contra to boot. Enjoy.
I know I mentioned this not too long ago, but it really does deserve a post of its own.
Bad boy Ben Drew is a British rapper with a 2006 LP under his belt. In the past he's collaborated with Chase and Status (an intense music video for End Credits [with Michael Caine!] is posted below) and played up the hip-hop side of his creativity.
"End Credits" - Chase and Status ft. Plan B
When Drew first started playing his own music, it was this "Justin Timberlake R&B stuff" that he just didn't feel comfortable doing. Now, with his sophomore album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, he's gone back to his "Plan A," so to speak. Well, maybe it's plan C. Just check out his SICK mash up hit "Stay Too Long" (and I wouldn't discourage lending an ear to the Pendulum Remix).
Since there have been a few DMCA takedowns of the countdown, let's recap the songs from #50 to 11:
50. "Uprising" - Muse 49. "Wheels" - Foo Fighters 48. "I Just Wanna Run" - The Downtown Fiction 47. "Let's Get Outta Here" - Madina Lake 46. "Ready for the Weekend" - Calvin Harris 45. "The Fear" - Lily Allen 44. "You Found Me" - The Fray 43. "A Whole Lot Better" - Brendan Benson 42. "Wanted" - Jessie James 41. "Spotlight" - MuteMath 40. "Man of the Hour" - Norah Jones 39. "Tell Me I'm a Wreck" - Every Avenue 38. "Always Like This" - Bombay Bicycle Club 37. "Mountain & the Sea" - Ingrid Michaelson 36. "Time for Me" - Holiday Parade 35. "Teenagers" - Hayley Willaims 34. "It's My Time" - Fabolous ft. Jeremih 33. "Outta Here" - Esmée Denters 32. "Just Say Yes" - Snow Patrol 31. "No You Girls" - Franz Ferdinand 30. "Remedy" - Little Boots 29. "Break Your Heart" - Taio Cruz 28. "Fader" - The Temper Trap 27. "I Can Transform Ya" - Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz 26. "Day N Nite (Crookers Remix)" - KiD CuDi 25. "Chillin'" - Wale ft. Lady Gaga 24. "Crying Lightning" - Arctic Monkeys 23. "Rats" - U.S. Royalty 22. "Bulletproof" - La Roux 21. "Crystalised" - The XX 20. "Deep South" - Cartel 19. "Teach Me How to Jerk" - Audio Push 18. "My Life Would Suck Without You" - Kelly Clarkson 17. "Happy" - Leona Lewis 16. "Weightless" - All Time Low 15. "Boys and Girls" - Pixie Lott 14. "Two Left Feet" - Anya Marina 13. "Marchin On" - OneRepublic 12. "Pull My Heart Away" - Jack Peñate 11. "Shark in the Water" - V.V. Brown
And now, finally:
10. "Empire State of Mind" - Jay Z ft. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys' soaring chorus is the perfect counter to Jay-Z's intense flow. It's one of those collaborations you would never have thought of before it happens, but when it does you think, "Well, duh!" It's a great song to begin with, but it helps that both Jay and Alicia are at the top of their game.
from The Blueprint 3 "Empire State of Mind"
9. "Crystal Vases" - The Early Hours
This song was released on one of the best EPs of the year and it really is a cute but depressing song about a guy whose only friend is the maid. Who cleans up the crystal vase when he smokes two packs a day. Believe it or not, these are very similar to the actual lyrics!
from Falling Elevators EP "Crystal Vases" Once again, I am having trouble finding audio for this song, so if you want it, drop me a line (MusicSequitur@gmail.com) or check it out here.
8. "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has this sense of style that is applicable in all areas of a performance. From costume to lyrics to delivery everything is meticulously put together, and that's why "Bad Romance" is awesome. Yes, it's overtly sexual and yes the girl is OUT THERE, but everything is deliberate. It's SUPER catchy, but never cheesy and always interesting.
from The Fame Monster "Bad Romance"
7. "The Cave" - Mumford & Sons
This song took a little while for me to get used to, but once I did it hit me hard. The intro is sweet, the lyrics are way awesome and it's just an all around sweet song. I typically don't enjoy banjos, but this song is a lovely exception.
from Sigh No More
6. "Drumming Song" - Florence + the Machine
It's the theatrical feeling to this song that makes everything about it fantastic. The character is introduced, the problem outlined and the tension builds. It's BIG and dirty, but feminine. It's an overture and the leading lady sings with such intense emotion you feel it in your blood and your heart begins to match the rhythm.
from Lungs "Drumming Song"
5. "When Love Takes Over" - David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland is the perfect touch to David Guetta's genius beats. Guetta puts together a song that's not just meant to be played in dance halls, but can be blasted in cars or during runs or anywhere. She hits every single note (even in those sick scales) effortlessly and beautifully. Such a breathtaking love song.
from One Love "When Love Takes Over"
4. "1901" - Phoenix
Who would have thought a song about Paris in 1901 would be so awesome?! It's not just the song, it's the FEEL of it. The springy guitar, the electrifying bass, and the spot-on singing. It creates a fresh atmosphere and it's so original and fun.
from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix "1901"
3. "Chelsea" - The Summer Set
Drinks are pouring and girls are fine in Arizona circa 2005, and Brian Dales tells the story of him and his current girlfriend, Chelsea Stuab (from this show) and the group clicks everything into place. Once again, I heart Jess Bowen, the drummer and only girl in the band; she runs a tight set. This is pop rock at it's best.
from Love Like This "Chelsea"
2. "Wonderful" - Gary Go
Beautiful, epic and uplifting. Simple as that.
from Gary Go "Wonderful"
1. "Eet" - Regina Spektor
Mix Regina's gorgeous voice with her SPECTACULAR lyrics and the coolest chords you can find. Then, half way through change it up with a driving percussion rhythm. You get a stunning masterpiece she calls "Eet".
I'm terrible, I know, but really, the top ten should be the very last thing on 2009, so that means we have a couple of superlatives to hand out.
Guiltiest Pleasure:
"It's Only Natural" - The Higher
Haha, I think the music video says it all.
Biggest Bummer:
Ben Kweller - Changing Horses
Seriously, Ben, seriously?!? Can't we just go back to "Penny on the Train Track" and pretend this never happened?? Pretty Please?
Best Soundtrack:
(500) Days of Summer
Tracklist: The Smiths – “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” Belle & Sebastian – “The Boy With The Arab Strap” Black Lips – “Bad Kids” The Smiths – “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want.” Patrick Swayze – “She’s Like The Wind.” Jack Peñate – “Have I Been a Fool? ” The Doves – “There Goes the Fear” Hall & Oates – “You Make My Dreams” Knight Rider Theme Temper Trap – “Sweet Disposition” Carla Bruni – “Quelqu’un M’a Dit” Black Lips – “Veni, Vidi, Vici” Paper Route – “The Music” Feist – “Mushaboom” Regina Spektor – “Hero” Spoon – “Infinite Pet” Simon & Garfunkel – “Bookends” Wolfmother – “Vagabond” Mumm-Rah – “She’s Got You High”
Worst Artist:
Ke$ha (we're counting her in 2009, but don't be surprised if she shows up in this category for the 2010 list)/Drake.
Best Cover:
"Use Somebody" - Pixie Lott [Kings of Leon Cover]
C'mon, you had to know it would be a "Use Somebody" cover, the question was whose.
Best New Artist From 2008 But Only Started Listening to in 2009:
The Script
2009 was the year of ____________:
Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift
I can't wait for new ____________ in 2010:
Justin Nozuka, Downtown Fiction and The Last Shadow Puppets. (Vampire Weekend was already relased :))
CHILLING Justin Nozuka Video. Hope this one is on the new album.
Best New Artist:
Florence + the Machine
and also
An LP, FIVE music videos, a headlining tour. My love for Flo is no secret.
Also, for argument's sake, this is my justification for not considering Lady Gaga (but that's not to say she'd automatically get it either. It just made the decision easier).
All right, NOW you know what's next...! Top ten songs in next post.
A song about just wanting to be home and having pride about where you come from. Given that these guys are from the Bible Belt, I have to wonder if some of the lyrics allude to God. A powerful chorus and style unlike what we've previously seen from Cartel.
from Cycles "Deep South"
19. "Teach Me How to Jerk" - Audio Push
This is probably the best beat put together in 2009, and I sincerely hope these young guys have more up their sleeve. They dance, they mix and they sing and they rap. And they've a great sense of humor.
"Teach Me How to Jerk"
18. "My Life Would Suck Without You" - Kelly Clarkson
I'll admit it: I judged this song based on its title before I heard it. While I still think it's a dumb title, it's a testament to the fact that a great, versatile voice never goes out of fashion.
from All I Ever Wanted "My Life Would Suck Without You"
17. "Happy" - Leona Lewis
Speaking of an amazing voice, does this girl have PIPES or what? A beautiful and heart-wrenching piece. My favorite part is the huge hit "So what if it hurts me..."! Oh yeah, that one gives me goosebumps.
from Echo "Happy"
16. "Weightless" - All Time Low
All Time Low ruled punk-pop in 2009 and it was well deserved, even if just for this song. The #1 optimistic song of the year.
from Nothing Personal "Weightless"
15. "Boys and Girls" - Pixie Lott
This song is the dance party mix essential. The funky horn line keeps the beat up and Pixie's energy drives it. Is it just me or does she sound like Christina Aguilera at some points?
from Turn It Up "Boys and Girls"
14. "Two Left Feet" - Anya Marina
Most of Anya's stuff has some sexual undertones, but this one is just so playful. The song starts off by introducing the four important music elements: the clapping-like rhythm, the tambourine, the bass, and her voice. The way each of these fit together makes for a really interesting sound even if it does sound eerily like Bloc Party's "The Prayer".
from Slow and Steady Seduction: Phase II "Two Left Feet" I'm really frustrated now because I can find a video or audio anywhere. Oh well. just drop a line at MusicSequitur@gmail.com if you're interested and I'll get it to you.
13. "Marchin On" - OneRepublic
It's the same cold OneRepublic vibe, but the back up vocals have the sickest lick in the entire song and warm your fingers and toes just the tiniest bit. A truly beautiful song "for those days we felt like a mistake."
from Waking Up "Marchin On"
12. "Pull My Heart Away" - Jack Peñate
The beautiful sound of the guitar nails the mood Jack's lyrics set up. Going 180 from his last album, Peñate let his voice drive the songs rather than the guitar and it paid off.
from Everything is New "Pull My Heart Away"
11. "Shark in the Water" - V.V. Brown
Ok, I'll admit it, this is my song of the moment (along with Plan B's "Stay Too Long"), but c'mon this is such an amazing song. The swooning back up vocals, the quick strums of the clean and clear guitar and the powerful voice of Ms. Brown is a genre mash-up. And a very successful one at that.
from Travelling Like the Light "Shark in the Water"
Sorry about this ridiculous change of format guys, but if you're interested in some of the songs/artists, drop a comment or drop me a line at MusicSequitur@gmail.com
So after you've seen the 40 other songs, who does that leave...? TOP TEN COMING UP!
Ok, same rules as last time, but just to reiterate:
1. This list will only include songs that were released in 2009.
2. I deliberately only chose one song per artist.
3. This list has gone through several drafts. The songs you see really have passed the test, however if you don't agree with something, drop a line in the comments box. I'd love to discuss it with you.
Also, I can't get enough of this song. The most awesome mix of soul and rap (by the same guy) ever, and none of you will believe me until you actually hear it. So go actually hear it.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, Numbers 40 through 31:
40. "Man of the Hour" - Norah Jones
An absolutely adorable riddle in song form. Norah Jones describes this sweet, meat-eating man that she's chosen because he's not a "vegan or a pot head." It's her dog of course, and the bark at the very end of this song (also the very end of her album The Fall as this is the closing song) is the perfect touch to this simple song that only Norah Jones and her beautiful voice could convey.
from The Fall "Man of the Hour"
39. "Tell Me I'm a Wreck" - Every Avenue
This song is a wonderful example of this band. Not as quirky and clever as a lot of their stuff on their first album, Shh. Just Go With It, "Tell Me I'm a Wreck" is a song with a simple formula and great vocals.
from Picture Perfect "Tell I'm a Wreck"
38. "Always Like This" - Bombay Bicycle Club
The bass line alone is a fantastic lick, and everything else is beautifully controlled. The lead singer, Jack Steadman, gets points for playing the xylophone. Great song from this band's first album.
from I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose "Always Like This"
37. "Mountain & the Sea" - Ingrid Michaelson
The first lines of this song, "You called me a mountain/and I called you the sea," set the tone for the entire song. The metaphor is both sweet and dynamic with the obligatory ukulele strumming and happy clapping rhythms.
from Everybody "Mountain & the Sea"
36. "Time For Me" - Holiday Parade
There is an upside to breaking up! Holiday Parade put out a really great album this year, one punk-pop fans can be proud of, and this song is particularly catchy. The chorus is a completely different tone than the rest of the song, but then again it's all about being resolute in finishing a relationship.
from Tickets & Passports "Time For Me"
35. "Teenagers" - Hayley Williams
While I'm not a HUGE fan of Hayley Williams' voice on a lot of her stuff with Paramore, this sounds kind of awesome.
from Jennifer's Body Soundtrack "Teenagers"
34. "It's My Time" - Fabolous ft. Jeremih
Fabo doesn't need an awesome beat to create one of the best pump up songs of 2009.
from Loso's Way "It's My Time"
33. "Outta Here" - Esmée Denters
Justin Timberlake's protogé from the Netherlands has a really, really fantastic voice and this song is chock full of crunchy chords and powerful vocals.
from Outta Here "Outta Here"
32. "Just Say Yes" - Snow Patrol
You don't need to be in a special place to listen to good music because good music like this creates that special place.
31. "No You Girls" - Franz Ferdinand
The first few lines of this classic Franz Ferdinand song are priceless. "Oh, kiss me/Lick your cigarette, then kiss me/Kiss me where your eye won't meet me/Meet me where your mind won't kiss me/Lick your eyes and mine and then hit me/Hit me with your eyes so sweetly/Oh, you know you know you know that yes I love - /I mean I'd love to get to know you." 'Nuff Said.
from Tonight: Franz Ferdinand "No You Girls"
BONUS: "No You Girls (Trentemøller Remix)"
You might wanna give this one a listen; it's nominated for a Grammy!
David Guetta is a genius at a turn table. This album is particularly monumental because as a French DJ producing music that has never been popular in the United States, David Guetta broke through. Not to mention he's wracked up 4 Grammy nominations for "When Love Takes Over."
Highlights: "When Love Takes Over," "Sexy Bitch," "Memories"
"Memories (ft. KiD CiDi)" - David Guetta
4. Love Like This - The Summer Set
The Summer Set truly delivered on their first LP, after 3 successful EPs. Great, catchy songs, but it's also intelligent. These guys have a lot of spunk and I'm hoping they'll be around for awhile.
Highlights: "The Boys You Do (Get Back At You)," "Chelsea," "Girls Freak Me Out"
"Girls Freak Me Out" - The Summer Set
TOP THREE
3. Lungs - Florence + the Machine
Florence Welch has such a fantastic voice. Ethereal yet powerful, and everywhere in between. Her expression and sense of humor are dynamic and make this album the third best album of 2009. When I listen to this album, I don't skip a single track
Highlights: "Howl," "Kiss With a Fist," "Drumming Song," "Blinding"
"Blinding" - Florence + the Machine
2. Far - Regina Spektor
Colorful, imaginative, fantastically written. Regina Spektor was the best storyteller in 2009.
Highlights: "Laughing With," "Eet," "Dance Anthem of the 80s," "Genius Next Door"
"Dance Anthem of the 80s" - Regina Spektor
1. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
This band found itself in Indie Heaven with "1901," but their entire album was fantastic. Every song is like an orchestral masterpiece. And they've got some awesome influences. Mozart, for one. And they even wrote a song about Franz Liszt! How awesome is that?!
Highlights: "1901," "Lisztomania," "Countdown (Sick for the Big Sun)," "Love Like a Sunset (Planetarium)"
"Lisztomania" - Phoenix
Well, that wraps up the albums! Songs of 2009 are coming up...
